ONE OF THE BEST ANNUAL EVENTS IN TACOMA >>>

Tacoma came out in strong numbers Sunday to the Broadway Center's Star Chefs on Broadway Carnevale a Venezia gala inside the Pantages Theater. The evening began with shopping, noshing and sipping in a vibrant Italian market (otherwise known as the Pantages lobby), followed by a live auction, El Gaucho dinner, opera singers, and trapeze artists in a Venetian Opera House (this time, the Pantages main stage).

Over the last four days I've attended Third Thursday ArtWalk, Tacoma Lawn Tennis Club's pool opening, Harmon Tap Room's preview party, the opening of Morso wine bar, Gayl Bertagni's Culinary Arts Scholarship Benefit at The Swiss - and Star Chefs on Broadway 2010. I'm flat out tired. I want to write 2000 words on last night's Star Chefs - which benefited Broadway Center's vital arts education programs that touch the lives of 35,000 students and teachers annually - but I can barely keep my eyes open. I want to thank each chef for knocking my socks off with their creations. How El Gaucho nailed hundreds of Chateaubriand and Australian lobster dishes is beyond me. And Master of Ceremonies Kevin Joyce was pure genius again this year.

Also, I'm thrilled that I'll be joining other couples for the beach party at the awe-inspiring home of artist Doug Granum later this summer. It was one of 18 live auction items up for bid. Joyce and his partner Martha Enson ran the auction to perfection - the perfect length of time with top-notch humor and dramatic antics.

A big thanks to the O'Connors of Tacoma for purchasing The Melting Pot fondue dessert for the table my wife, Kate, and I were lucky to occupy. I'd also like to thank Chad and Jenny Mackay of El Gaucho, also at our table, for the wonderful conversation.

Most of all I'd like to thank David Fischer, Benjii Bittle and the rest of the Broadway Center staff for creating one of the most beautiful and fun events in Tacoma.

Below are a few photos I snapped with my crappy camera at last night's Star Chef's event. All of my photos are in our Photo Hot Spot section.

The Sanford and Son co-owner Cheryl Gorsuch raised a glass of McCrea Cellars 2007 Yakima Valley Syrah to Star Chefs.

Chef Thad Lyman with Brix 25 served American Kobe cornets featuring San Marzano marinara, garlic confit and mozzarella foam.

Tammi Barber of TLB Events did an amazing job decorating and transforming the Pantages Theater into a Venetian Opera House.

Broadway Center Education Manager Nyree Martinez thanked the crowd.

Kevin Joyce and Martha Enson of Enjoy Productions ran a flawless and fun live auction.

Broadway Center Deputy Executive Director Benjii Bittle (center) was thrilled when two people paid more than $3000 each to have him cook dinner for their parties of 12.

Duo Madrona, featuring Ben Wendel and Rachel Nehmer - who began performing with Teatro Zinzanni in February 2009 - amazed the crowd.